VOLTAIRE (François-Marie Arouet, known as) S. l. n. d., [Circa July 1755]. Autograph letter signed "V", [to the tragedian Henri-Louis Caïn, known as LEKAIN]. 1 p. in-4. Pitting. Interesting letter from Voltaire about his tragedy in 5 acts : L'Orphelin de la Chine, written and first performed at the Comédie-Française in 1755. "Mon grand acteur voicy un de vos admirateurs que je vous dépêche. L'Orphelin de la Chine has long been in the hands of Monsieur d'Argental. If you want to perform this play now, you are the master. I will pay the actors, provided you start by getting a nice suit out of the payment. I am giving the privilege to Sr Lambert, in case he makes a small gift to the bearer [Colini]. I hope that your friends will allow him to come and applaud them while he is in Paris. I send you my warmest love. Made Denis [his niece and companion] sends her compliments. V. " Lekain (1729-1778) played the title role in L'Orphelin de la Chine, that of the emperor Genghis-Kan, and was a great success, enhanced by the precise instructions he received from the Master during a trip to Ferney. Bibliography: Letter published in Correspondance de Voltaire, Garnier, tome 38, no. 2960.